Teen Killed On Same Minneapolis Block As 2021 Child Shooting

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — A 17-year-old boy was killed Sunday evening after shots were fired into a residence in north Minneapolis, according to the Minneapolis Police Department.

Fourth Precinct officers were dispatched at about 6:26 p.m. to reports of shots fired, which were later updated to a shooting in the 2200 block of Ilion Avenue North.

Police said officers found the teen suffering from an apparent life-threatening gunshot wound. Officers rendered lifesaving aid until emergency medical personnel arrived. The teen was transported to North Memorial Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

Preliminary information indicates the victim was inside a residence when shots were fired into the home, striking him, police said.

“This tragic killing has shattered the family of a young man,” Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said in a statement. “We will devote every available resource to bring justice for the young victim and his family. The juvenile justice system must use every available tool to protect young people who pose a danger to themselves as well as the community.”

The shooting occurred on the same Ilion Avenue North block where 9-year-old Trinity Ottoson-Smith was killed in May 2021 after being struck by stray gunfire while jumping on a trampoline in a residential backyard.

In that case, a man later pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to more than 37 years in prison.

Anyone with information on Sunday's shooting is encouraged to contact MPD by emailing policetips@minneapolismn.gov or calling 612-673-5845 to leave a voicemail.

Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at www.CrimeStoppersMN.org. All tips are anonymous, and information leading to an arrest and conviction may be eligible for a financial reward.